Foreign Language (Self-Designed) Minor

Become a Global Professional Through Multilingual Fluency

The rapid globalization of business and the rise of multiple-language speakers in the United States has led to a growing need for multilingual professionals. The ability to understand and communicate in more than one language can afford you a distinct advantage in career growth.

Lesley offers courses and self-directed programs that enable you to speak, write, and perform research in the following languages:

Spanish

French

Italian

German

Mandarin

Portuguese

American Sign Language (ASL)

Foreign language study builds a foundation of knowledge that can be applied across countless fields of study including social services, business, education, foreign services, history, literature and the arts.

Learn through Experience in Diverse Global Locales

As an undergraduate language student, you will have the opportunity to enhance your education with international field experience. The Study Abroad Office provides access to programs and internships on four continents through eighteen accredited affiliate institutions and providers. Lesley students have worked with children in Peru and Argentina, engaged in historic literary research in Italy, and rebuilt homes in Costa Rica. You will be empowered to set a path that works best for your unique personal and professional growth.

Curriculum Requirements for Foreign Language Minors

Review the parameters for the self-designed Minor in Foreign Languages. You will have the freedom to put together a course of study that reflects your talents and interests, and you will work with the Foreign Language Study Advisor to draw up the particulars.

Featured Courses

CLANG 3101 The World of Spanish: Texts and Images

Students will examine a variety of cultural texts including literature, film and music. Literary and other written texts will provide examples of language through time and forms of expression in the different Spanish-speaking regions. Spanish language films will offer an opportunity to hear the language in a variety of voices and to see the cities and landscapes of the Spanish-speaking world.

CLANG 2501 Mandarin Chinese III

This course focuses on how to use the language and how to use it appropriately. Cultural elements will be introduced to help students understand the usage of the language. Students will develop skills to produce and understand an ever-growing number of sentences in Chinese. Besides the four language skills, training on using a Chinese dictionary and Chinese typing system will be introduced. These two skills will empower them to continue studying Chinese outside the classroom.

Contact Us

Dr. Clara Ronderos, Associate Professor of Spanish Language and Literature - "Our growing language program is an essential part of a Lesley education. It is crucial for students embarking on Liberal Arts majors, as we offer them a window into other cultures and worldviews. Furthermore, foreign language training has become a must for students who wish to compete as professionals in the US and the global economies."